Liberal Democract Senator David Leyonhjelm is crucial for the government's bid to reintroduce the Australian Building and Construction Commission. Photo: Andrew Meares

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has emerged as the latest bargaining chip in the government's frenzied bid to reintroduce a building industry watchdog before Parliament rises for the year.

Fairfax Media understands that Liberal Democrat senator David Leyonhjelm has linked his support for the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) to changes to the way the ABC board conducts its meetings. Senator Leyonhjelm's vote will be crucial for the government to pass its bill to reintroduce the ABCC, one of its double dissolution election triggers.

Fairfax Media understands Senator Leyonhjelm wants to make the ABC board more transparent about its operations and increase opportunities for the public to give feedback to the public broadcaster.

Senator Leyonhjelm, who originally tied his support for the ABCC to the legalisation of the Adler shotgun, declined to comment. He will hold a press conference on Monday to announce his official position on the ABCC.

It is unclear how the ABC board would be instructed to change the way it conducts board meetings. The ABC guards its independence from government fiercely and could resist interference in its operations.

Senator Leyonhjelm has said that he would need the government to agree to an increase in liberty in a separate policy area given the ABCC has coercive powers. He has also said he will pull his support for the bill if the government agrees to increase flows to South Australia from the Murray Darling Basin